Letters to the Editor

Bringing it close to home Thank you for the kind [article], Denny! [“Bringing the love to war: Speakers at a Syrian-refugee symposium encouraged people to be involved,” Feb. 17, 2017] We were happy to have you join us and help raise awareness of the Syrian crisis. Keri Hughes Long Beach — A dangerous gamble? A…

A heartfelt message This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first open-heart surgery in the city of Long Beach, conducted at St. Mary Medical Center with the use of a heart-lung machine back in 1957. The heart-lung machine is a system which takes over the function of the heart and the lungs to provide…

Election deflection? By repeating false and unsubstantiated voter fraud allegations as the cause for losing the popular vote, President Trump is dangerously attacking the legitimacy of free and fair elections and taking a jackhammer to the foundation of our democracy. These are not “alternative facts.” They are corrosive lies without any evidence. Even leaders in…

Earned, not anointed This has been a difficult decision for me as I have the utmost respect for the office of the President and the peaceful transfer of executive power embodied in the inauguration. However, President-elect Trump’s recent attacks on Rep. John Lewis were beyond the pale and served as a tipping point which made…

Truly making a difference in a child’s life Each year, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who become advocates for children placed in the foster-care system. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to what are oftentimes the direst cases: children with prior maltreatment or contact with child welfare, cases of…

Attitude of gratitude We want to say “thank you” to everyone who contributed to making Bixby Knolls an even better community last year and tip our hat to the Bixby Knolls businesses and wish them all success and prosperity in 2017. I also thank our community members for participating in our events, programs and supporting…

We love a parade Thank you for participating in the 63rd Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade. Your participation this year helped make this our most successful event to date. I want to thank you for your ongoing support and partnership, and wish you a joyous holiday season with you and your loved ones.…

Mounds abound? Lately [there are] gopher mounds all over residential front yards in Wrigley area between Veterans Park and Los Angeles River. I think overpopulation of gophers started from Veterans Park, where [the] City constantly has to kill them from all the holes they make in damaging the park. However, the gopher problem has spread…

Something borrowed, something new Thank you so much for putting the story in. [“Local officiant offering free weddings in response to Trump administration,” Dec. 2, 2016] It will be an honor to serve all couples who fear their rights may be in jeopardy. And my mother told me when I was a child to always…

Giving thanks Hello, Denny [Cristales]. I want to say thank you on behalf of the League of Women Voters for covering our homelessness event in Long Beach [“Helping those in need the right way: Assisting homeless goes beyond handouts, local experts say,” Nov. 18, 2016]. I guessed who you were at the event and I…

New dog, old tricks K-9 Officer Mike Parcells has acquired a new police service dog after his former dog, Credo, was fatally injured following a June 28, 2016 SWAT call-out involving a barricaded suspect. This week, Officer Parcells began field patrol with his new K-9 partner, Storm. Storm, a 1½ year-old male Belgian Malinois, was…

Slinging cash On Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, the Signal Hill Police Department held its second annual Tip-A-Cop event at Applebee’s. The purpose of the Tip-A-Cop event was to raise funds and build awareness for the local Special Olympics athletes. Police officers and other department staff worked alongside Applebee’s servers to provide a memorable evening and…

Feeling rejection via election? Like many in our community, I woke up early this morning with a tremendous sense of loss and knew today would not be easy to emotionally digest. After arriving to The Center this morning, I have much renewed hope. Through the strength and support of my colleagues at The LGBTQ Center…